Franklin has lost our City Diner, for a Enmarket Gas station. A designated 8-acre site at the entrance of Franklin, adjacent to Main Street and the bypass, is set for the establishment of an Enmarket gas station. This spot is located directly across from the newly opened Angel Medical Center, which serves as a significant marker for visitors entering our town. We believe that this development will reflect poorly on Franklin; a gas station does not convey a positive impression to those arriving in or passing thru our community.

For over five decades, the City Diner on Main Street has played a vital role in our town. It embodies our shared history, epitomizing the numerous generations that have gathered in this cherished establishment, which we desperately want to preserve. The idea of replacing our beloved City Diner with another fuel station feels inappropriate. This area of Franklin already features multiple gas stations, including a substantial one located at Ingles and our local Hot Spot just the road with is a community meeting hub. Furthermore, the community’s need for dining options greatly exceeds the demand for another provider of fuel, tobacco, fast food, alcoholic beverages, and lottery tickets. Is this the message we want our visitors to take away about our beloved town?

We submit this petition to assertively communicate that the choice of "Enmarket" as a location is not welcomed by the community members, and to express our position regarding the City Diner, losing our icon. Your selection of this site and the potential loss of a community icon will face opposition from local community.

Franklin’s unique character and charm are vital to our community, ensuring that it does not get overshadowed by overwhelming corporate development. While we do not oppose an Enmarket gas stations in principle, situating one at such a crucial entrance to Franklin would undermine the town's appeal.